James Carter Cathcart died: American voice actor James Carter Cathcart died on July 8, 2025, at the age of 71, early in the morning in hospice care at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S., due to throat cancer. His death was announced by his wife on Facebook:
“Thanks to all of Jimmy’s fans over the years! Giving you joy was why he worked so hard on his craft. Please know how much he appreciated you!”
“The funeral will be in early August in New York. Memorial designations are still in process, pending conversations with one of the charities that was close to Jimmy’s heart. I will post those here when they are in place.”
“Rest in peace dear sweet man… One of the most joyful, exuberant, kind‑hearted and talented souls… I was happy to call you my friend,” Erica Schroeder (voice of Eevee) posted on Instagram.
James Carter Cathcart Biography
He was known as a voice actor, script adaptor, voice director, pianist, and vocalist.
James Carter Cathcart was also popularly known as Jimmy Zoppi. He was born on March 8, 1954, in West Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S. He gave his English voice to characters such as Gary Oak, James, Meowth, and Professor Oak in the Pokémon franchise.
He was known for Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (2006), Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998), and Shadow the Hedgehog (2005) as an actor.
Early Life and Education
He attended Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan during his high school years, where he majored in classical and jazz piano, earning top honors for his musical talent. After training at Interlochen, he joined New Heavenly Blue, releasing two albums on Columbia in 1979–80. He later founded The Laughing Dogs. He also learned to play musical keyboard and guitar.
Career Highlights
James Carter Cathcart made his voice acting debut in the early 1980s with the animated character Cap’n O.G. Readmore. He gained popularity from Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (2006), Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998), and Shadow the Hedgehog (2005). His most famous roles were in the Pokémon franchise, voicing characters such as Gary Oak, James, Meowth, and Professor Oak.
He appeared as a voice actor in over 15 Pokémon films and more than 700 episodes of the Pokémon anime. He worked as an actor in around 111 films and television series. He also worked as a musician in Mr. Men and Little Miss, Casper and Friends, and CBS Summer Playhouse. Additionally, he worked as a scriptwriter in Pokémon: Indigo League, Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle, and others.
Personal Life and Wife
His first wife was Jeanne Gari, and his second wife was Martha Jacobi. He had three children, including two daughters named Nicole Zoppi (born 1984–1985) and Mackenzie Cathcart (born circa 1994–1995), and a son named Carter Cathcart.
He left voice acting in 2023 due to an advanced form of throat cancer.
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